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“Safety first,” Liam said, cutting his gaze in Logan’s direction. “We want our clientele to have a fun and safe visit.”
“If we can do anything to make either of you more comfortable, please let us know.” Alana guided Liam off to meet other guests.
Logan led Elle out of the crowd into one of the many alcoves. “You understand why I told Liam and Alana?”
“Yes. We have to prevent them from giving Brandon any money.”
“After we explain things, they can help steer Brandon and his scheme toward me.”
“You?”
“Yes. I hinted to Nicki that I was wealthy.”
Elle grasped his arm. “You want her and Brandon to try and con you?”
“Brilliant. Right?”
“I wouldn’t go that far.” Elle squeezed, pulling his gaze to her fingers for a minute. “What if Brandon checks up on you?”
“I’ll call my dad and alert him. If anyone calls for Logan Ford, they’ll say he’s on vacation in Colorado.” With a quick scan of the room, he’d located Brandon and Nicki going into the restaurant with Liam and Alana.
“Let’s get a bite to eat.” He tilted his head toward the dining room. “We’re going to be in surveillance mode. Think you can handle it?”
“Of course,” Elle said. She ran her hands over her hips, smoothing out her dress. “Lead on.”
Logan chuckled at Elle’s enthusiasm. “I’ll make a good cop out of you.”
“I’m happy with my little management search firm.
Nothing’s better than working from home.” She slipped her hand into the crook of his arm. “But I’m pretty good at reading lips.”
Logan’s chest swelled with pride. The warmth of her touch sent his brain floundering. Now is not the time to be distracted. She matched his long strides as they crossed the expanse of the hotel lobby to the restaurant.
“Welcome. Dinner for two?” the maître d’ asked.
Logan scanned the room, locating his targets. “The lady is a bit chilled. We’d like a table near the fireplace if possible.”
“Of course,” he said. “One moment.” He walked to the hostess and they chatted briefly. She smiled broadly and hurried to Elle and Logan.
“This way, please,” she said, leading the two across the dimly lit restaurant.
Elle smiled and waved at the two couples while Logan held her chair. He seated himself with his back to Brandon. The hostess handed them menus and placed the wine list at his right elbow.
“Enjoy your meal,” she said.
“Thank you,” Logan responded, adjusting his position so Elle could see around him. “Smile. We’re supposed to be having a nice dinner...just the two of us.”
“Sorry. I’ll do better,” she said flashing her pearly whites. “I can’t hear a word. Can you?”
Logan concentrated for a second, picking up a random word or two. The easy listening music in the background wasn’t loud, but it made eavesdropping difficult. “Not very well. We’ll put your lip-reading skills to the test. Repeat anything you understand to me. Just try and make it look conversational.”
The candle on the table flickered, sending shadows dancing across Elle’s face. Logan couldn’t take his gaze off her. It wasn’t a chore for him to pretend he was interested in her. Regardless of Eric’s many warnings and threats, Elle had always stirred deep feelings in him.
“Do you think she’s really his daughter?” Elle leaned closer, no doubt pretending to flirt.
“No way. He’s not old enough to have a child her age. I’ll have Eric check that out for us.”
“He’ll do that?”
